Russell House Tavern

Name: Russell House Tavern
Address: 14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02138
Telephone: (617) 500-3055
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

2803 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 28, 2024

9:30 p.m.

Booked 51 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Good for groups

A New American Tavern, Russell House Tavern is a comfortable gathering spot for every occasion-from casual lunch breaks on the patio to after-work cocktails in the upstairs tavern to functions in the private dining room and everything in between. Russell House Tavern delivers a seasonally-inspired menu of modern interpretations of American classics, including signatures like the R. House Burger, a selection of Tavern Pizzas and Steak Frites among other dishes. To complement the menu, Russell House Tavern serves an interesting collection of all-American wines, including two regional wines on tap, and a locally-driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern hand-crafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups and infusions.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Gastro Pub, Pizza Bar
Hours of Operation
Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Bar Mon 11:00 am–11:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:00 am–12:00 am Fri 11:00 am–1:00 am Sat 10:00 am–1:00 am Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(617) 500-3055
Website
http://www.russellhousecambridge.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Brian Pawlak
Private party facilities
From intimate dinner parties to festive cocktail receptions, the events team at Russell House Tavern awaits your next private function. Our contemporary yet casual atmosphere in the heart of Harvard Square is the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. Please email us at events@russellhousecambridge.com or visit us at russellhousecambridge.com.

Location
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighbourhood
Cambridge
Cross Street
Brattle Street
Parking details
We offer a $2 validation for the Harvard Square Parking Garage located at 20 Eliot Street.
Public transit
We are located just steps from the Harvard Square T Station on the Redline.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Extra Dirty CaesarUS$14.00
Romaine, Black Kale, Anchovy Croutons
Chopped SaladUS$15.00
Iceberg, Romaine, Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, Hardboiled Egg, Bleu Cheese, Harissa Ranch
Fall SaladUS$15.00
Little Leaf Greens, Roasted Red Pepper, Cucumber, Pickled Carrot, Fuji Apple, Candied Pecans, Feta, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Butternut Squash SoupUS$8.00
Roasted Apples
Smoked Salmon Avocado ToastUS$14.00
Avocado, Citrus, Frisee
Crab CakesUS$16.00
Pickled Carrots, Scallions, Remoulade
Clams CasinoUS$14.00
Bacon, Parmesan, Garlic, Shallot, Bread Crumbs
Curry MusselsUS$15.00
White Wine, Curry Cream, Garlic Crostini
Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$10.00
Maple-Sriracha Glaze
Street CornUS$10.00
Cilantro-Lime Aioli, Tajin, Parsley
Confit Chicken WingsUS$15.00
Sambal & Honey Glaze
Crispy Rhode Island CalamariUS$16.00
Pickled Tomato & Peppers, Arugula, Avocado Aioli
Harvard Square FriesUS$12.00
Pecorino, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Short Rib Jus
Charcuterie BoardUS$16.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera
Local New England Cheese BoardUS$16.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Traditional Accompaniments
Cheese & Charcuterie BoardUS$25.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera, Traditional Accompaniments

Tavern Pizza

MargheritaUS$14.00
Crushed Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Pecorino
PepperoniUS$15.00
Marinara, Mozzarella
Mushroom & LeekUS$15.00
Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Truffle Oil
Brussels HouseUS$15.00
Barbeque Pulled Pork, Mozzarella, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Pickled Red Onion, Scallions, Corn
Sausage & RicottaUS$15.00
Roasted Poblanos, Herbed Olive Oil

Raw Bar

Tuna TartareUS$16.00
Avocado, Cucumber, Ponzu, Wonton
Local Oysters*
Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette
- eachUS$3.00
- DozenUS$33.00
Cape Cod Littlenecks
Cocktail Sauce
- eachUS$1.50
Shrimp CocktailUS$14.00
Cocktail Sauce
Chilled Lobster TailUS$16.00
Saffron-Lemon Aioli
Crimson PlatterUS$48.00
8 Local Oysters, 6 Shrimp, 6 Cape Cod Clams, Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette
Ivy League PlatterUS$98.00
12 Local Oysters, 8 Shrimp, 8 Cape Cod Clams, 2 Split Lobster Tails, Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette, Lemon-Saffron Aioli

Entrees

Duck Breast Lo MeinUS$30.00
Ginger Vegetable Sauté, Mushroom Miso Soy Broth
Roasted Half ChickenUS$25.00
Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto, Natural Jus
Beef ShortribUS$33.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Natural Jus
NY Strip Steak FritesUS$36.00
Pecorino Frites, House-Made Steak Sauce, Watercress
Roasted SalmonUS$27.00
Root Vegetables, Fuji Apple, Potato Gnocchi, Parsnip Puree
BologneseUS$24.00
Pork, Beef & Veal, Garlic Crostini, Grana Tuile
House-Made CavatelliUS$21.00
Kale, Cauliflower, Grape Tomato, Mushroom, Pesto, Parmesan
Farro & KaleUS$20.00
Peppers, Olives, Roasted Eggplant, Parmesan, Feta, Citrus Tahini Vinaigrette
Fish & ChipsUS$21.00
Hand-Cut Fries, Coleslaw, Tartar Sauce
R. House Burger*US$16.00
Sharp Cheddar, Bacon, Caramelized Onions, English Muffin
Southern Fried Chicken SandwichUS$16.00
Slaw, Maple Chipotle Aioli, Brioche

What 2,803 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Russell House Tavern offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of Harvard Square. Guests rave about its "great food, great drinks, great service" and "wonderful ambiance." The tavern is known for its attentive staff, diverse menu, and cozy atmosphere, making it a "perfect choice" for brunch or dinner.

2,803 Reviews

A
Anu
VIP
Charlotte
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Salmon was overcooked but everything else was superb!
Is this helpful?
d
deborah
VIP
Greater Boston
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Enjoyable lunch in a warm and cozy setting. The braised short rib hash with horseradish hollandaise was delicious. Portions good size. Can’t wait to eat my leftovers.
Is this helpful?
J
Jacqueline
New Orleans
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful food, great drinks. Very loud! Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
S
Stefan
Cincinnati
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Russell Tavern is a decent enough restaurant if you don't mind the noise. The downstairs venue was crowded and it was hard to hear my business associate who was sitting across the table from me. They skimp on the drinks. My glass which was small to begin with was only a quarter full if that. Sorry but if you're going to charge $12 for a glass of Scotch, you can afford to pour to at least half a glass. The food was good, not outstanding but cooked to order. The menu could use some variation with more standard fare. The best part was the Mussel Frites app.
Is this helpful?
J
James
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was great and wereally enjoyed the restaurant
Is this helpful?
K
Keith
Denver
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
My daughter is at the Culinary Institute of America and, whoever is the saucier at Russell House…. She could take their job in a New York second.
Is this helpful?
A
Ashley
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful ambiance. Tasty food. Would come back again.
Is this helpful?
J
J Daniel
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was extraordinary! The staff, the meal, the ambiance was perfect!
Is this helpful?
M
Michele
VIP
Greater Boston
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time here for breakfast/brunch on a Sunday and wow, absolutely delicious! Cozy dining room. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
P
Paula
VIP
Tallahassee
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the grilled cheese and a burger. Both were excellent! Service was also great!
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FAQs

Russell House Tavern offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Russell House Tavern also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 500-3055.

Russell House Tavern is rated 4.6 stars by 2803 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 28, 2024

9:30 p.m.

Booked 51 times today

Order delivery or takeout

14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Brattle Street
Neighbourhood
Cambridge
Hours of Operation
Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Bar Mon 11:00 am–11:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:00 am–12:00 am Fri 11:00 am–1:00 am Sat 10:00 am–1:00 am Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Gastro Pub, Pizza Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We offer a $2 validation for the Harvard Square Parking Garage located at 20 Eliot Street.
Public transit
We are located just steps from the Harvard Square T Station on the Redline.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Brian Pawlak
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.russellhousecambridge.com/
Phone number
(617) 500-3055
Private party facilities
From intimate dinner parties to festive cocktail receptions, the events team at Russell House Tavern awaits your next private function. Our contemporary yet casual atmosphere in the heart of Harvard Square is the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. Please email us at events@russellhousecambridge.com or visit us at russellhousecambridge.com.

Russell House Tavern

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Margherita

Pepperoni

Steak & Eggs

Salads & Appetizers

Extra Dirty CaesarUS$14.00

Chopped SaladUS$15.00

Fall SaladUS$15.00

Butternut Squash SoupUS$8.00

Smoked Salmon Avocado ToastUS$14.00

Crab CakesUS$16.00

Clams CasinoUS$14.00

Curry MusselsUS$15.00

Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$10.00

Street CornUS$10.00

Confit Chicken WingsUS$15.00

Crispy Rhode Island CalamariUS$16.00

Harvard Square FriesUS$12.00

Charcuterie BoardUS$16.00

Local New England Cheese BoardUS$16.00

Cheese & Charcuterie BoardUS$25.00

Tavern Pizza

MargheritaUS$14.00

PepperoniUS$15.00

Mushroom & LeekUS$15.00

Brussels HouseUS$15.00

Sausage & RicottaUS$15.00

Raw Bar

Tuna TartareUS$16.00

Local Oysters*

Cape Cod Littlenecks

Shrimp CocktailUS$14.00

Chilled Lobster TailUS$16.00

Crimson PlatterUS$48.00

Ivy League PlatterUS$98.00

Entrees

Duck Breast Lo MeinUS$30.00

Roasted Half ChickenUS$25.00

Beef ShortribUS$33.00

NY Strip Steak FritesUS$36.00

Roasted SalmonUS$27.00

BologneseUS$24.00

House-Made CavatelliUS$21.00

Farro & KaleUS$20.00

Fish & ChipsUS$21.00

R. House Burger*US$16.00

Southern Fried Chicken SandwichUS$16.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Russell House Tavern offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Russell House Tavern restaurant rated?

Is Russell House Tavern currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information